Late Afternoon Day 2

Well, this a hard blog to write without coming off like one of those guys that always claims, "Bro, you should have been here yesterday." After an up and down day with the webcast, we know that most of today's action wasn't broadcast live, and unfortunately it very well should have been. Today's surf at Restaurants was definitely a great opening day to the 2008 Globe Pro Fiji. 4-6 feet, and just doing it's thing. The morning's action started off with a nice win by highly touted rookie Jordy Smith. Portugal's first World Tour surfer Tiago Pires picked up where he left off in Tahiti with a convincing 16 point heat win. Andy Irons was the next high scorer in Heat 5, having just arrived on this morning's flight from Hawaii he showed no signs of being jet lagged with a furious combination of turns, barrels and typical A.I. action. But, the day's highlight came in the form of Mr. SL8TR, as he dropped the highest heat score of the ASP season with a 19.67, including a perfect 10 and a near perfect 9.67. Back on the pool deck Kelly looked confused, as he thought the 9.67 was the 10. Hmmm, well the man is officially still THAT good. Fanning had something to say with an 18 point heat in the following match up. Things did slow up in the afternoon heats, but as predicted Freddy P and CJ Hobgood had a nice little goofy foot spar, with Fred coming out on top. Well versed big wave hell dude, Kieren Perrow showed amazing form in Heat 15, scoring a 15.5 total with a few very well surfed waves. Ventura's Dane Reynolds pulled out of the event today, citing a lingering sickness that kept him home unable to travel and compete in top form. We wish him well with his recovery and look forward to hosting Dane in Fiji in 2009. The final heats of the day were the first two match ups of Round 2. Taj Burrow easily handled Dane's replacement, Fijian boat man "Wonga". Trials winner Isei Tokovou was in Heat two against Bede "The White Fijian" Durbidge. To no Fijian's surprise, Isei's knowledge of the Restaurants tube put Bede on the ropes with about 10 minutes left in the heat. Bede's experience paid off though, as he took control of the heat on a well surfed 3 foot runner. At about an hour before Sunset we wrapped the first day of the 2008 Globe Pro Fiji, anticipating another great day of surf tomorrow. Event directors are still on the fence about Restaurants or Cloudbreak, but a call will be made early. Stay with us, as webcast technicians are wrenching away on our program as you read this. Today's highlights are available for your viewing pleasure in the Wha Happ'n show, so check it out. Our appologies for the technical diffculties. Vinaka people...